SD schools in contract talks with new superintendent

The San Diego School board announced Tuesday night that Cindy Marten will become the new San Diego Unified School District Superintendent to replace Bill Kowba who recently announced his retirement. This is Cindy Marten (grey jacket and black top) as she addressed the media at San Diego Unified Headquarters auditorium. Board member Scott Barnett at the podium answers questions with regards to the hire.
— Sean M. Haffey

The San Diego School board announced Tuesday night that Cindy Marten will become the new San Diego Unified School District Superintendent to replace Bill Kowba who recently announced his retirement. This is Cindy Marten (grey jacket and black top) as she addressed the media at San Diego Unified Headquarters auditorium. Board member Scott Barnett at the podium answers questions with regards to the hire.
— Sean M. Haffey

A week after San Diego schools chief Bill Kowba announced his retirement, the board of education will meet in closed session Tuesday to enter into contract negotiations with surprise superintendent candidate: Central Elementary School Principal Cindy Marten.

The school board will meet behind closed doors at 4 p.m., when it is expected to direct its general counsel to start the personnel proceedings. This matter is not scheduled to come up during Tuesday’s regular public meeting at 5 p.m. An employment agreement is expected to go before the board for consideration in open session as soon as March 12.

Kowba will step down as superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District at the close of his three-year contract on June 30. The retired Navy officer has worked with the district for seven years, having held a variety of top positions.

The school board unexpectedly named Marten its sole choice for superintendent last Wednesday, barely 24 hours after Kowba resigned and without the usual public engagement process that typically precedes this type of decision.

Marten, 46, has worked at Central Elementary in City Heights for the past decade and served as principal since 2008. During her 25-year education career, she has also worked at the Poway Unified School District and at Beth Israel Day School.